Question reference: S5W-34266
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 23 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 11 February 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has received on the suitability of Type IIR masks as protection for health and care staff, in light of the transmissibility of the new variant of COVID-19.
Answer
The advice from Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) experts in Scotland and the UK IPC cell is that the current evidence does not support a change to the existing PPE requirements.
Evidence has shown that COVID-19 is predominantly transmitted via droplets and contact with contaminated hands or environment. Therefore, IPC guidance recommends that all health and care staff providing direct patient care should wear Type IIR Fluid Resistant Surgical Masks (FRSMs) at all times throughout their shift as they protect against droplet transmission. Airborne precautions, including the use of FFP3 respirators, are required for the medium and high-risk pathways where Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) are undertaken. However, in Scotland, following an individual risk assessment, staff can also choose to wear an FFP3 respirator when undertaking AGPs in the low-risk pathway, as set out in the Scottish COVID-19 IPC addendum for acute settings.
The guidance is continually reviewed in line with the latest evidence and advice.